Laguna Seca Dropped from MotoGP Schedule

Bashing away at the MotoUSA keyboard for nine years now, Madson lends his scribbling and editorial input on everything from bike reviews to industry analysis and motorcycle racing reports.

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has been dropped from the 2014 MotoGP schedule. The California circuit hosted the sole USGP round in 1988 through 1994. Laguna Seca was also tapped for the return of MotoGP to America in 2005, where it hosted the USGP through the current season. A second US Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway premiered in 2008 and has run annually, along with a third stop at the new Circuit of the Americas in Austin which debuted this year.

The latter two rounds will presumably continue for 2014 and beyond. Laguna Seca most recently hosted the World Superbike Championship (Sept 26), the only stop of the SBK series in the US for 2013. A brief press statement from the circuit confirms the MotoGP scheduling change. PR posted courtesy of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. – MCUSA Ed Bart Madson

For 25 years, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has served as the “home” for Grand Prix motorcycle racing in the United States, having staged 15 world championship Grands Prix since 1988. Unfortunately, and in spite of loyal support from fans, sponsors and media, there will not be a 16th U.S. Grand Prix in 2014.

At this time, the U.S. is only able to support two MotoGP events. The support provided by the states of Texas and Indiana make it difficult for us, as a not-for-profit, to currently compete.

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca extends its gratitude to all those whose combined efforts made the U.S. Grand Prix such an iconic event; it took all of you – fans, sponsors, motorcycle community, media, volunteers and, not the least, Dorna Sports. Our pledge to you is to work diligently to return the MotoGP World Championship to Monterey, Calif., in the very near future.